Andy Kessler was born on June 11, 1961 in Athens, Greece and raised on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.  Given his first skateboard at the age of eleven he rolled through a vibrant and chaotic 1970’s New York City pioneering a skate scene. On the way he battled drugs and addiction, eventually overcoming them himself, and later using his experience to help others do the same.  Through his life Andy became an inspiration and guide to many, challenging everyone to find and be a better, truer self  Through his hand in the conception, nurturing, and raising of an emerging urban skate scene Andy helped mold and sculpt the cultural landscape of New York City. Andy Kessler died on August 10, 2009.  He is loved and missed though his spirit still permeates the city.